Stemware caddy

ABSTRACT

A device for storing stemware is disclosed. In particular, the device is configured as a stemware caddy for concealing or stowing the stemware in locations and/or applications where space is limited and/or where a stemware rack cannot be installed.

CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS

This application claims the benefit of priority to U.S. Provisional Patent Application No. 62/161,810, filed May 14, 2015, the entirety of which is hereby incorporated by reference.

STATEMENT REGARDING FEDERALLY SPONSORED RESEARCH OR DEVELOPMENT

Not applicable.

TECHNICAL FIELD

The instant disclosure relates to a stemware caddy. In particular, the disclosure pertains to a caddy for stowing stemware.

BACKGROUND

Stemware organizers generally include mountable racks wherein the stemware is suspended upside down on its base with its stem positioned within a narrow slot defined by spaced-apart parallel supports. The racks are designed for storing the stemware upside down in an out-of-the-way area, keeping the bowl clean and the glasses themselves free of incidental contact. Currently available racks are configured for being installed underneath a horizontal surface, e.g., a cabinet, and/or on a vertical surface and/or suspended from an overhead structure such as a ceiling. Generally, the racks are installed in a kitchen and/or a bar where space is readily available and is typically not an issue. However, there are certain locations and/or applications where the currently available racks cannot be installed because a mounting surface is not available and/or space is limited and/or at a premium. For example, on a watercraft, a mounting surface is not available on the deck, and the galley has limited space. Accordingly, there exists a need for a device for storing stemware in such locations and/or applications.

SUMMARY

A non-limiting exemplary embodiment of a device includes an elongated compartment having at least one longitudinally extending aperture through at least a portion of a wall of the compartment, cap attached to a first end of the compartment, and one or more shelves within the compartment, wherein each of the one or more shelves includes at least one slot extending between an outer edge and an approximate center of the shelf At least a portion of an interior wall of the compartment and at least a portion of the outer edge of the one or more shelves include an interlocking configuration for attaching the one or more shelves to the interior wall of the compartment in a manner providing access to the at least one slot of each attached shelf through the at least one aperture in the wall of the compartment. The at least one aperture is configured for passage therethrough of the stemware and the one or more shelves. The at least one slot is configured for sliding passage therethrough of at least a portion of a stem of a stemware through the at least one aperture. An exterior of the compartment is configured for sliding passage through an opening of a cavity in a manner such that a portion of the compartment retracted into the cavity is concealed.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

FIG. 1A is a perspective view of a non-limiting exemplary embodiment of a stemware caddy;

FIG. 1B includes perspective views of the stemware caddy of FIG. 1A in various states of concealment;

FIG. 2A-2C are elevation views of the stemware caddy of FIG. 1;

FIG. 3A is a cross-sectional perspective view of a non-limiting exemplary embodiment of a compartment of the stemware caddy;

FIG. 3B is a cross-sectional plan view of the compartment of the stemware caddy;

FIG. 4A is a perspective view of a non-limiting exemplary embodiment of a shelf of the stemware caddy; and

FIG. 4B is a plan view of the shelf of the stemware caddy.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

One or more non-limiting embodiments are described herein with reference to the accompanying drawings, wherein like elements are designated by like numerals. It should be clearly understood that there is no intent, implied or otherwise, to limit the disclosure in any way, shape or form to the illustrated and described embodiments. While multiple exemplary embodiments are described, variations thereof will become apparent or obvious. Accordingly, any and all variants for providing functionalities similar to those of the described embodiments are considered as being within the metes and bounds of the instant disclosure.

FIG. 1A is a perspective view of a non-limiting exemplary embodiment of a device 10 configured for storing stemware 12; FIG. 1B includes perspective views of the device 10 in various stages of concealment; and FIGS. 2A-2C are elevational views of the device 10. In some embodiments, the device 10 includes a substantially hollow elongated compartment 14 having at least one longitudinally extending aperture 16 through at least a portion of a wall 18 of the compartment 14. The device 10 further includes one or more shelves 20, each configured for holding or suspending therefrom at least one stemware 12 when the shelf is removably affixed to the compartment 14.

FIGS. 3A and 3B, respectively, illustrate a perspective view and a plan view of a cross-section of the compartment 14; and FIGS. 4A and 4B, respectively, illustrate a perspective view a plan view of one of the one or more shelves 20. In a non-limiting exemplary embodiment of the device 10, at least a portion of an interior wall 22 of the compartment 14 and at least a portion of an outer edge 24 of each shelf 20 are configured for removably attaching or mounting the shelf 20 within the compartment 14. In some embodiments, the outer edge 24 and the interior wall 22 have a tongue-and-groove configuration wherein one or more “tongue” 26 is on at least a portion of the outer edge 24 and a corresponding complementary one or more “groove” 28 is on at least a portion of a surface of the interior wall 22. In certain embodiments, the one or more grooves 28 extend longitudinally along at least a portion of the interior wall 22. Of course, a reversed tongue-and-groove configuration is also contemplated wherein the one or more groove 28 is on at least a portion of the outer edge 24 and the corresponding complementary one or more tongue 26 is on the surface of the interior wall 22. As such, the one or more tongue 26 may extend longitudinally along at least a portion of the interior wall 22. However, such arrangements of the tongue and the groove should not be construed as limiting. For instance, an embodiment is contemplated wherein the interior wall 22 has both a tongue and a groove extending longitudinally along different locations on its surface, and the corresponding complementary groove and tongue are on the outer edge 24. In some embodiments, the tongue-and-groove configuration may provide a means for a snap-fit connection for removably attaching or mounting the shelf 20 on the interior wall 22. In certain embodiments, the tongue-and-groove configuration may provide a means for slidingly and removably attaching the shelf 20 to the interior wall 22 wherein the shelf 20 is slid in or out through an opening at an end of the compartment 14. It should be apparent that removably affixing the shelf 20 to the interior wall 22 provides flexibility in locating, and relocating, the one or more shelves 20 anywhere along the longitudinal extent of the compartment 14. This is particularly the case when one or more groove 28 and/or one or more tongue 26 extend longitudinally along the surface of a substantial portion of the interior wall 22.

It should be further apparent that the tongue-and-groove configuration is only one of many means or mechanisms available for removably affixing one or more relocatable shelves 20 within the compartment 14. For instance, some embodiments of the compartment 14 may include a ledge extending or protruding inwardly away from the surface of the interior wall 22 on which at least a portion of the shelf 20, e.g., the portion proximate the outer edge 24, may rest. Certain embodiments may include a snap-fit connections between the shelf 20 and the interior wall 22. In a non-limiting exemplary embodiment, at least a portion of the surface of the interior wall 22 may include a circumferentially extending groove configured for receiving and holding or retaining at least a portion of the shelf 20 proximate the outer edge 24. In some embodiments, a circumferential tongue-and-groove configuration may be provided wherein the tongue/groove extends along at least a portion of the interior wall 22 at several locations along the longitudinal extent of the compartment 14 and the groove/tongue extends along at least a portion of the outer edge 24. Certain embodiments may include a hole-and-peg configuration at different locations along the surface of the interior wall 22 such as can be found in a kitchen cabinet or other storage units. Some embodiments may include one or more railings extending longitudinally along the surface of at least a portion of the interior wall 22. In view thereof, any and all variants of the disclosed embodiments configured for proving the functionalities similar to those described herein are considered as being within the metes and bounds of the instant disclosure.

Each of the one or more shelves 20 includes at least one slot 30 extending inwardly from the outer edge 24 and configured for sliding passage therethrough of at least a portion of a stem 32 of the stemware 12. In some embodiments, the slot 30 extends to an approximate center 34 of the shelf 20. In certain embodiments, a width 36 of each slot 30 is larger (or wider) than a cross-sectional dimension, e.g., a diameter, of the stem 32 such that the stemware 12 can be placed “on” (e.g., suspended from) or “removed from” the shelf 20 by sliding the stem 32 along the slot 30. In some embodiments, the width 36 may be slightly smaller than the cross-sectional dimension of the stem 32 so as to impute a sliding friction and/or provide a snug fit between the slot 30 and the stem 32. In certain embodiments, one or more of the slots 30 extend substantially linearly between the outer edge 24 and the approximate center 34. In some embodiments, one or more of the slots 30 may be curvilinear. In certain embodiments, two or more slots 30 may extend inwardly on the shelf 20 from distinctly different locations on the outer edge 24. In some embodiments, the two or more slots may be contiguous or continuous, for example at an innermost end 38 of the slot 30. In certain embodiments, the innermost end 38 of the one or more slot 30 may be at or proximate the approximate center 34 of the shelf 20.

In certain embodiments, opposing walls (or edges or sides) 40 and 42 of each slot 30 may or may not be linear or parallel to each other. For instance, portions of the opposing walls 40 and 42 may form substantially circular cross-sections having diameters that are smaller and larger relative to each other with a passage therebetween for sliding the stem 34 therethrough. In some embodiments, one or both opposing walls 40 and 42 may be resilient and/or include a resilient material for easing the passage of the stem 32 along the slot 30 and/or for retaining the stem 32, and the stemware 12, in position along the slot 30. In certain embodiments, each slot 30 may include one or more depressions on either one or both of the substantially circular surfaces of the one or more shelves 20. In some embodiments, at least one such depression is provided at the innermost end 38 of the slot 30, which may or may not be proximate the approximate center 34 of the shelf 20. In certain embodiments, the one or more depressions may have a shape and/or a size that substantially complements a typical contour of the stemware 12 at either one or both ends of the stem 32. It should be evident that such depressions may be useful in providing a more stable suspension or resting or holding location for the stemware 12 when suspended from the shelf 20 at either of the two ends of the stem 32.

The illustrated cylindrical shape of the compartment 14 having a substantially circular cross-section and the substantially circular shape of the one or more shelves 20 should not be construed as limitations. In certain embodiments, the compartment 14 may have a substantially elliptical or polygonal cross-section in which case each of the one or more shelves 20 will have a substantially complementary elliptical or polygonal shape configured for removably, and relocatably, affixing or mounting each shelf 20 to the interior wall 22 of the compartment 14.

Generally, the one or more shelves 20 will be installed on the interior wall 22 in a manner whereby the stemware 12 can be suspended within and/or removed from the compartment 14. For instance, in a non-limiting exemplary embodiment, the one or more shelves 20 may be removably attached such that an opening 44 of the slot 30 at the outer edge 24 is accessible from the at least one aperture 16 of the compartment 14. In some embodiments, the one or more shelves 20 may be removably attached to the interior wall 22 by inserting the one or shelves 20 into the compartment 14 through the aperture 16. In certain embodiments, the one or more shelves 20 may be removably attached to the interior wall 22 by inserting the one or shelves 20 into the compartment 14 through an opening at a first end 52. The stem 32 of the stemware 12 may then be slid into the slot 30 from the opening 44 for suspending the stemware 12 within the compartment 14 or the stemware 12 can be removed from within the compartment by sliding the stem 32 out of the slot 30 through the opening 44. In some embodiments, the one or more shelves 20 may be rotatable while installed on the interior wall 22 such that after the stemware 12 has been suspended within the compartment 14, the shelf 20 may be rotated to block the opening 44 with the wall 18 of the compartment 18. In certain embodiments, the one or more shelves 20 may be removably attached at an incline relative to the interior wall 22 (see FIG. 2B for example). For instance, the shelf 20 may be affixed such that the opening 44 of the slot 30 is above a horizontal plane extending through any other location on the shelf 20. In some embodiments, the one or more shelves 20 may be curved or curvilinear, i.e., not flat, such that the opening 44 will be higher or above than other portions of the shelf 20. In certain embodiments, the one or more shelves may include a lip at least proximate the opening 44, the lip configured to prevent any slippage of the stemware 12 off the shelf 20. It should be obvious that features such rotatable and/or inclined shelves 20 would be desirable for preventing the stemware 12 suspended within the compartment 14 from being accidently removed or dislodged. It should be further obvious that in order to extract or remove the suspending stemware 12 from within the compartment 14, it would be necessary to expose the opening 44 through the aperture 16 by first rotating the shelf 20 installed on the interior wall 22. It should be apparent that the aperture 16 should be sufficiently wide for unhindered passage therethrough of the stemware 12. It should also be apparent that the aperture 16 should be sufficiently wide for unhindered passage therethrough of the one or more shelves 20.

In a non-limiting exemplary embodiment of the device 10, at least a portion of the interior wall 22 may include a padding, for example foam, or a resilient or soft material or lining for preventing the stemware 12 from breaking if and when it collides with the interior wall 22. For instance, if the device 10 having stemware 12 stored therein is shaken, then the bowl of the stemware 12, for example, might shatter when it contacts the interior wall 22.

In a non-limiting exemplary embodiment, the device 10 is configured for concealing a substantial portion of the compartment 14. For instance, as illustrated in FIG. 1B, substantial portions of one or more devices 10 can be retracted or extracted through their respective openings 46 in a countertop 48. In certain embodiments, the one or more openings 46 may be openings of corresponding cavities, for example tubes, under the countertop 48. In some embodiments, the retracted devices 10 may be retained in the retracted position by gravitational forces. In certain embodiments, the devices 10 may be retained in the retracted position by a retaining mechanism which may or may not also include a release mechanism. For instance, the retaining mechanism may be a spring-loaded mechanism. In certain embodiments, a latching mechanism may be provided for retaining the devices 10 in the retracted position when the mechanism is engaged. As described elsewhere, the compartment 14 is not limited to being cylindrical having a substantially circular cross-section, and that the compartment 14 may have a substantially elliptical or polygonal cross-section. Accordingly, a contour of the opening 46 should be substantially similar to that of the compartment 14 so that it may be retracted through the opening 46 for concealment.

In a non-limiting exemplary embodiment, each device 10 may include a “cap” 50 fixedly attached to a first end 52 of the compartment 14. In some embodiments, the device 10 may be configured such that the exposed (or top) surface 54 of the cap 50 is flush with a top surface of the countertop 48 while the device 10 is in a fully retracted or concealed position. In certain embodiments, the cap 50 may include a knob 56 or a glass/cup holder 58 fixedly attached to the surface 50 or a finger-hole that can be used for extracting the device 10, i.e., the compartment 14, through the opening 46.

In some embodiments, one or more protrusions extending a short distance inwardly from at least a portion of the perimeter of the opening 46 may operate as a stop when an underside of the cap 50 abuts the one or more protrusions and inhibit the device 10 from falling into the opening 46. Accordingly, the effective diameter of the opening at the location of the one or more protrusions may be less than a diameter of both the cap 50 and the opening 46, but greater than a diameter of the compartment 14. It will be apparent that the one or more protrusions may be recessed below the top surface of the countertop 48 by a distance substantially equal to a thickness of the cap 50 such that the top surface of the cap 50 may be flush with the top surface of the countertop 14 when the compartment 14 is retracted through the opening 46. In certain embodiments, the one or more protrusions may be one or more ledges circumscribing at least a portion of a perimeter of the opening 14. In some embodiments, the one or more protrusions may be one or more fins.

In some embodiments, the device 10 may be configured with a retaining mechanism for retaining or holding the device 10 in a partially extracted/retracted or a fully extracted position without being held in place by an external source. For instance, in a non-limiting exemplary embodiment, the retaining mechanism may be a ratcheting system which may or may not include a spring-loaded component. In some embodiments, the retaining mechanism may be a friction-inducing or a frictional-system whereby the device 10 is held in place by frictional forces between an outer surface of the compartment 14 and the circumferential surface of the opening 46. For instance, the retaining mechanism may include a resistor, for example a bushing or an o-ring or a resilient material, for imparting frictional resistance to the movement of the compartment 14 through the opening 46. The compartment 14 may then be retracted under the influence of an external force acting in the direction towards the opening 46. Of course, the friction inducing resistor will operate to decrease a magnitude of the external force being applied in the direction of the opening 46. In some embodiments, the friction inducing resistor may be adjustable for increasing or decreasing the frictional forces. For instance, it may be necessary to increase the frictional forces when the device 10 is fully-loaded with stemware 12; and it may be necessary to decrease the frictional forces when the device 10 is empty and/or is partially loaded with stemware 12.

In a non-limiting exemplary embodiment, the device 10 and the opening 46 are configured such that a vacuum is generated in the corresponding cavity of the opening 46 when the device 10 is extracted through the opening 46. In some embodiments, the vacuum may then retract the device 10 when released or not held by an external force.

In a non-limiting exemplary embodiment, one or more of the devices 10 may be configured for inhibiting the removal, dislodgment or complete extraction of the compartment 14, i.e., the device 10, from the opening 46. For instance, a second end of the compartment 14 opposite the first end 52 may be wider than the opening 46. In some embodiments, one or more protrusions extending a short distance outwardly from an external surface of the compartment 14 proximate the second end thereof such that an effective diameter of the compartment 14 at the location of the one or more protrusions may be greater than a diameter of the opening 46.

Accordingly, when the compartment 14 is extracted through the opening 46, the one or more protrusions may operate as a stop when abutting an underside of the countertop 48 and thus inhibit removal of the compartment 14. In certain embodiments, the one or more protrusions may be one or more ledges circumscribing at least a portion of an exterior surface of the compartment 14. In some embodiments, the one or more protrusions may be one or more fins. In certain embodiments, the second end of the compartment 14 may be include a cap or a plate having a diameter wider than the diameter of the opening 46. In certain embodiments, the one or more devices 10 may include a removal mechanism for completely removing or extracting the devices 10 for cleaning and/or replacement purposes.

None of the embodiments described and/or illustrated herein are meant to be and nor should they be construed to be limiting in any way conceivable. Any and all of the various embodiments configured for proving the functionalities substantially similar to those described herein are considered as being within the metes and bounds of the instant disclosure.

In view thereof, modified and/or alternate configurations of the device 10 and/or methods for using the device 10 may become apparent or obvious. All such variations are considered as being within the metes and bounds of the instant disclosure. For instance, while reference may have been made to particular features and/or functions, the disclosure is considered to also include embodiments configured for functioning and/or providing functions substantially similar to those disclosed herein. Accordingly, the scope and intent of the disclosure is to embrace all such variations. The metes and bounds of the disclosure is solely defined by the appended claims and any and all equivalents thereof. 

What is claimed is:
 1. A device, comprising: an elongated compartment comprising at least one longitudinally extending aperture through at least a portion of a wall of the compartment; a cap attached to a first end of the compartment; and one or more shelves within the compartment, each comprising at least one slot extending between an outer edge and an approximate center thereof; wherein, at least a portion of an interior wall of the compartment and at least a portion of the outer edge of the one or more shelves comprise an interlocking configuration for attaching the one or more shelves to the interior wall of the compartment in a manner providing access to the at least one slot of each attached shelf through the at least one aperture in the wall of the compartment; the at least one slot is configured for sliding passage therethrough of at least a portion of a stem of a stemware; the at least one aperture is configured for passage therethrough of the stemware; and an exterior of the compartment is configured for sliding passage through an opening of a cavity configured for concealing at least that portion of the compartment retracted thereinto.
 2. The device of claim 1, wherein the cap comprises at least one of a drink holder, a knob and a finger hole, each configured for being pulled for extracting the compartment from the cavity.
 3. The device of claim 2, configured for inhibiting dislodgement of the compartment from the cavity.
 4. The device of claim 2, comprising a resistor for imparting frictional resistance to a movement of the compartment through the opening.
 5. The device of claim 4, wherein the compartment retracts into the cavity under the influence of a force acting thereon in a direction towards the opening.
 6. The device of claim 5, wherein the resistor operates to decrease a magnitude of the force acting on the compartment.
 7. The device of claim 4, wherein the frictional resistance imparted by the resistor is adjustable.
 8. The device of claim 2, wherein extracting at least a portion of the compartment from the cavity generates at least a partial vacuum within the cavity.
 9. The device of claim 1, comprising a retainer for retaining the compartment within the opening in one of a fully retracted position, a fully extracted position and a partially retracted position between the fully retracted position and the fully extracted position.
 10. The device of claim 9, wherein the stemware is concealed when the compartment is fully retracted into the cavity; and the stemware is exposed and accessible when the compartment is not fully retracted into the cavity.
 11. The device of claim 1, wherein a position of the one or more shelves along a longitudinal extent of the compartment is adjustable.
 12. The device of claim 1, wherein the at least one aperture is configured for passage therethrough of the one or more shelves.
 13. The device of claim 1, wherein the one or more shelves are removably attached to the compartment.
 14. The device of claim 1, wherein the opening comprises a ledge defined by and extending between a first and a second perimeter of the opening; the exterior of the compartment and the first perimeter of the opening comprise complementary contours; the cap and the second perimeter of the opening comprise complementary contours; and the ledge supports the cap when the compartment is fully retracted within the opening.
 15. The device of claim 1, wherein the one or more shelves and an opening at the first end of the compartment comprise complementary contours, the opening at the first end of the compartment configured for passage therethrough of the one or more shelves.
 16. The device of claim 1, wherein at least one of the one or more shelves comprises a depression proximate a center thereof, the depression having a contour similar to a contour at either end of the stem of the stemware.
 17. A device, comprising: an elongated compartment comprising: at least one longitudinally extending aperture through at least a portion of a wall of the compartment, the at least one aperture configured for passage therethrough of a stemware; and an exterior configured for sliding passage through an opening of a cavity; one or more shelves within the compartment, each comprising at least one slot extending between an outer edge and an approximate center thereof, the at least one slot configured for sliding passage therethrough of at least a portion of a stem of a stemware; and an interlock for attaching the compartment and the one or more shelves to each other.
 18. The device of claim 17, comprising a retainer for retaining the compartment within the opening in one of a fully retracted position, a fully extracted position and a partially retracted position between the fully retracted position and the fully extracted position.
 19. The device of claim 17, comprising a cap attached to a first end of the compartment, the cap comprising at least one of a drink holder, a knob and a finger hole, each configured for extracting at least a portion of the compartment from the cavity.
 20. The device of claim 19, wherein the opening comprises a ledge defined by and extending between a first and a second perimeter of the opening; the exterior of the compartment and the first perimeter of the opening comprise complementary contours; the cap and the second perimeter of the opening comprise complementary contours; and the ledge supports the cap when the compartment is fully retracted within the opening. 